Art in the Library

"El Dia Del Mercado" Fresco by Alfredo Ramos Martinez

This monumental forty-eight-foot-long mural had been commissioned by Albert Bram for his La Avenida Restaurant in 1938. It was removed from the restaurant and donated to the City of Coronado by Gus and Barbara Theberge. The City Council subsequently approved the request to include "El Dia del Mercado" as a showpiece for the Coronado Library Expansion and remodeling Project. Gift of Gus and Barbara Theberge, 1994.

"Canasta de Flores" Fresco by Alfredo Ramos Martinez

This is one of two murals at the Coronado library that were painted by Martinez for the La Avenida Restaurant in Coronado in 1938. This painting depicts a basket of flowers native to the region. Gift of the Friends of the Coronado Public Library, 2001.

"Village Church in Mexico" Paster by Alfredo Ramos Martinez

This pastel was done by Alfredo Ramos Martinez in 1916, not long after his appointment as Director of the Escuela Nacional de Bellas Artes in Mexico City. Gift of Sharon Sherman and Hildreth and Evelyn Sherman, 2005.

"Wizard of Oz" Glass Panels by Brenda Smith

The entry portal to the Children's Library features the "Wizard of Oz" suspended glass panels. Each large panel has a scene from the Oz story illustrated by artist Brenda Smith.

Displayed in the Spreckels Reading Room are several works of art including a granite sculpture by Donal Hord entitled "Mourning Woman", and a tapestry designed by Donal Hord "Fruits of the Earth" that was executed in 1939 as a WPA Federal Arts Project.

"Fruits of the Earth" Tapestry by Donal Hord

This tapestry was made in 1939, funded as a federal art project through the Works Progress Administration. Donal Hord designed the full-size drawing, which was in turn woven by Marian Kendall, V. Kelley, and F. Manchester. The design depicts the fruits of the earth, symbolized by the pineapple in the bowl, the people of the earth symbolized by the woman, and the seeds of the earth symbolized by the baby in the corn husk. The tapestry hung for many years in the mayor's office in San Diego. Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Curtis H. Swartz, April 1996.

"Mourning Woman" Sculpture by Donal Hord

"Mourning Woman" is Donal Hord's last sculpture, completed shortly before his death in 1966. The sculpture depicts a woman in mourning, her head partially covered by a shawl, one hand holding a wreath. The piece was sculpted from granite by Hord and his assistant Homer Dana. It took ten months to complete. The artists worked using an air hammer, later hand polishing it with carborundum and water. Gift of Clara Parker, 1974.

"The Family" Sculpture by Louis Nidorf

This sculpture by San Diego artist Louis Nidorf was donated to the Library in tribute to Bill Davis, the late highly respected Coronado High School Teacher and Coronado Public Library Board of Trustees member. The sculpture represents the nuclear family. Gift of Mrs. Walter Winn, 1974.

"Hotel Del Coronado Boathouse" Watercolor by Monty Lewis

This wash watercolor was painted by Monty Lewis around 1950. It depicts an unembellished view of the old boathouse before it became a restaurant. Monty Lewis founded the Coronado School of the Arts. Gift of Kathryn Crane, 2005.

"Coronado Fourth of July Parade & Coronado Library" Watercolor by Sara Rowe

The 4th of July parade passes in front of the Coronado Public Library in this scene painted for the cover of the 2003 Coronado telephone book. This was done prior to the Library Expansion and Remodel.

Gift of Sara Rowe, 2005.

"Tent City" Oil Painting by Sue Tushingham McNary

This painting is of Coronado's Tent City which lasted from 1902 until 1939. It was painted by Sue Tushingham McNary who is well known for her scenes of Coronado and the San Diego region. The painting was also the source for lithographs of the same scene. Ms. McNary is a Coronado artist. The painting was acquired directly from her by Merlyn and Eleanor McIntyre. Gift of Eleanor and Merlyn McIntyre, January 1996.

The library's art collection can be viewed throughout the building.

"Port City" Bas-Relief by Charles F. Luedtke

This bas-relief sculpture was created from Philippine mahogany by Charles F. Luedtke, a former art teacher at Coronado High School. Gift of Tom Luedtke, 2017.

"All is Well" by Evan Moulton

Pre-weathered steel art installation entitled, "all is well". Coronado resident and inspired artist, Evan Moulton, lovingly designed, installed, and gifted this graceful butterfly family to the library for everyone to enjoy. Gift of Evan Moulton, 2017.